Rural scene
Familiar concerns and fresh perspectives emerged as the Cambridge Community Board embarked on its annual rural tour.
Cambridge Community Board member Andrew Myers and his dog Pippa, with chair Jo Davies-Colley. Photo: Sylvie Davies-Colley.
Roading remains a key concern, but board chair Jo Davies-Colley noted a more positive tone this year, especially regarding the council’s contractor.
Downer NZ holds a $30 million contract with the council. It covers road repairs, sealing, vegetation control, footpath maintenance, drainage work, and emergency responses.
“Residents told us mowing and spraying have been done to a huge standard,” she said.
Jo Davies-Colley
The tour took in two venues late last month – the first at Te Miro Hall and the second at MenzShed in Leamington.
Roading maintenance on Gray, Flume, Aspin, Hogan, and Te Miro roads dominated the discussion, alongside fundraising plans for the local hall.”
The hall is the centre of the community and well used by the local school.
At the MenzShed, discussions included roading issues on Luck At Last and Hogan roads, rising rates, and Plan Change 25. The latter focused on shelter belts and crop protection structures, particularly for kiwifruit orchards. Other topics included the Cambridge Connection and the Lake Karāpiro Domain Masterplan.
“The rural tour is an important part of our work. It helps highlight the unique challenges these communities face, and spending time on the ground, listening directly to residents, is always valuable,” said Davies-Colley.
Attendees included Davies-Colley, mayor Susan O’Regan, mayoral candidates Mike Pettit and Clare St Pierre, councillor Philip Coles and Maungatautari board member Andrew Myers.
The smoko room in Menz Shed is where the rural tour was held. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
